Olympus Trip 35: The Little Camera That Just Gets It Right!
Let’s talk about the Olympus Trip 35—a little camera with a big personality that’s perfect for anyone starting out with film photography. I’ve handled my fair share of cameras, but the Trip 35 has a charm that just sticks with you. With its ease of use, incredible simplicity, and the fact that it never needs a battery, this camera has become a favourite among beginners and pros alike. So, whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance, go-anywhere camera, or you’re ready to embrace film without fuss, the Olympus Trip 35 might just be your new best friend.
The Olympus Trip 35 in all its classic and retro glory!
1. What Makes the Olympus Trip 35 Special?
The Olympus Trip 35 was first released in 1967 and quickly became a popular choice for travelers and everyday folks who wanted something compact, simple, and reliable. It was designed for ease of use, and with a 40mm Zuiko lens, it delivers sharp, beautiful shots without complicated settings. This camera has a cult following, and after using it, I completely understand why!
Selenium-Powered Light Meter (No Batteries Required!): Yep, you read that right. This little powerhouse has a light meter that’s solar-powered. No batteries needed! Just grab your camera and go, knowing it’s always ready to capture moments as they happen.
Automatic Exposure: The Trip 35 takes care of exposure for you, switching between two shutter speeds (1/40 and 1/200) as needed. All you have to do is focus on framing your shot. And if the light is too low, the camera won’t let you make a mistake—it literally won’t fire, giving you an opportunity to adjust or find better light. Talk about foolproof!
Zone Focusing for Quick Shots: This camera uses zone focusing, which means you can quickly select one of four focus zones: portrait, group, scenery, or infinity. Not only is it easy, but it also encourages spontaneity. Just select the zone, click, and voilà—you’ve captured a moment without getting bogged down in settings.
The Trip 35’s ‘zone focus’ system is easily used and adjusted via the zone focussing selector ring around the lens. It’s got 4 different options ranging from 1.0m distance, all the way up to infinity.
2. Why the Trip 35 is a Dream for Beginners
With its reliable build, compact size, and easy-to-use features, the Olympus Trip 35 really gets the needs of beginners. Here’s why I think it’s a perfect starter film camera:
No Batteries, No Hassle: Beginners will love this feature because it takes one more worry out of the equation. No more fumbling for batteries in the middle of an outing. With the Trip 35, you’re always ready to shoot.
Compact and Lightweight: This little gem was built to travel (hence the name “Trip”), making it a great choice for anyone who wants to shoot on the go. It’s light, durable, and small enough to pop in a bag, so you’re more likely to bring it with you and snap those spontaneous shots.
Minimal Controls, Maximum Fun: The Trip 35’s auto-exposure and zone focusing features mean you can focus on what matters most—capturing the moment. It’s refreshing to shoot with a camera that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing image quality, especially when you’re just learning.
3. Shooting Tips to Maximize Your Olympus Trip 35 Experience
The Trip 35 may be straightforward, but there are a few tricks to getting the most out of this little wonder:
Experiment with Zone Focusing: Don’t be afraid to play around with the focus zones. It can feel a bit random at first, but after a few rolls, you’ll start getting a feel for it. It’s actually a fun challenge to capture sharp photos with this method and encourages you to really think about distance in a scene.
Get to Know the Light Meter’s Limits: While the Trip 35’s light meter is pretty accurate, it does best in well-lit settings. If you’re shooting indoors or in lower light, keep an eye out for the little red flag that will pop up in the viewfinder. It’s the camera’s way of telling you to seek better lighting.
Go Everywhere with It: This camera was made to go with you on all your adventures—trips, casual outings, or even a quick walk around the block. Since it’s so light and portable, you’ll hardly notice it’s there, but you’ll always have a solid camera ready for the action.
The Olympus Trip 35’s selenium light meter lives behind the bubbled plastic element surrounding the lens. The plastic element helps the selenium’s exposure to any available light.
Why I Keep the Trip 35 in My Camera Lineup
Despite having other cameras with more advanced features, the Trip 35 holds a special place in my lineup. Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to capture the true essence of a moment. There’s no worrying about the settings; it’s just you, the camera, and the scene in front of you. It’s as close to a pure, hands-on photography experience as it gets, and every time I use it, I’m reminded of how much fun shooting film can be.
Want Your Own Olympus Trip 35? Find It at Roll With It!
If you’re ready to give the Olympus Trip 35 a try, check out the fully serviced models in the Roll With It shop. Each camera is carefully tested and restored, so you can get the most out of your film photography experience without any technical hiccups. Perfect for beginners or seasoned film photographers alike, the Trip 35 is one of those cameras you’ll love more and more with every roll. Head to the shop to explore the Trip 35s and other vintage film cameras, and get ready to capture life’s adventures with a little help from one of Olympus’s most charming creations!
